The Wagga Autism Support Group Incorporated is shining the bat signal for people to rally on March 22 for a special mission.
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A child on the autism spectrum is prone to sensitivity to sights and noises which can manifest as combative behaviour or public tantrums.
Sheila Buntin has two children with autism and has been the subject of stares and nasty reactions when they act out in public.
Her children’s stories are quite different but she said the result is the same – they need constant care and support.
“When you have one child with autism you have a 50 per cent chance of the others having it,” she said.
Adrian, 13, was not reaching his milestones as a baby and was on the exploratory track when he was three months old and received early intervention immediately.
Robert, 11, reached his milestones early and was not diagnosed until he was four when he started screaming without explanation.
Autism can bring associated behaviour and medical issues and affect the child’s eating and sleeping habits.
A discussion among mothers produced the Autism Superhero Walk, which will be held at Lake Albert on March 22 to raise money and awareness for the Wagga Autism Support Group.
“Crowds can be quite overwhelming with smells and sounds and their obsessions are so strong that they find it hard to deviate from it," Mrs Buntin said.
One of those obsessions for her eldest son is making superhero costumes.
Superhero worship is common among children with autism, according to Mrs Buntin, and is the motivation for the theme behind the walk.
Jeremy Samson from the Time 2 Train Asperger’s Program, which provides assistance for children, teenagers and adults on the autism spectrum, will open the walk.
Participants are encouraged to dress as their favourite superhero and walk around the lake.
There is prizes for the best dressed and information stalls on services available around the region.
The Mighty Yak will be playing live, a jumping castle will be on site for the children and sausage sandwiches will be available to purchase.
The Autism Superhero Walk will be held on March 22 from 10.30am for an 11am start.
For more information, contact Mrs Buntin on 0402 807 014.